Wednesday, April 16, 2008

"Former US president to meet Mahmoud al-Zahar, Saeed Seyam in Cairo at his own request, Islamist group says, adding 'he wants to hear our vision regarding the situation'

Hamas said on Wednesday that former US President Jimmy Carter would meet two of its leaders from Gaza in Egypt, in further defiance of Israeli leaders, who have shunned him over his contacts with the Islamist group.

Hamas official Ayman Taha told Reuters senior leaders Mahmoud al-Zahar and Saeed Seyam would travel to Cairo later in the day for talks with Carter, who began a Middle East visit on Sunday.

"Mr Carter asked for the meeting. He wanted to hear the Hamas vision regarding the situation, and we are interested in clarifying our position and emphasizing the rights of our people," Taha said.

Carter's delegation in Israel declined to comment.

Carter had wanted to visit the Gaza Strip, which is governed by Hamas, but Israel rejected his request......."